Leading wildlife conservation charity RSPB NI is calling on all aspiring and established artists to help highlight the nature and climate emergency. As part of its Revive Our World campaign, the charity, with the support of TEDxStormont and world-renowned artist Colin Davidson, is inviting all ages to illustrate the nature-rich and climate-safe future they want to see for Northern Ireland.
 
Building on the idea of 'activist art', using art to address political or social issues, the competition aims to implore decision makers to address the nature and climate emergency before it’s too late. Artwork can be anything from photography and painting to ceramics or even crochet. The competition is split into four categories; adults (18+), under 8s, 8-11 and 12-17. The winners will be crowned Artist of the Year and their artwork will take centre stage at TEDxStormont Countdown in November, coinciding with the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). 

Judge Colin Davidson said, “Art can offer the viewer a door into another way of looking at our world, and that’s why I’m looking forward to seeing the entries for this year’s competition, to see what excites people about the future of Northern Ireland.”

Sara McCracken, RSPB NI’s Head of Fundraising and Communications commented, “Some of the biggest changes have been brought about by a small group of passionate people, from civil rights to votes for women, including the start of the RSPB itself. Over the years, artists have documented history and politics to huge effect. The nature and climate emergency is the defining issue of our time; this is your chance to have your say and ‘canvas’ for nature.” 

Email a photo of your artwork to Campaigns.NI@rspb.org.uk with the heading ‘Canvasing for Nature Competition’ and include your name, age, contact number and category by 20th July 2021. For more info visit http://bit.ly/RSPBNIArtistOfTheYear.